Jerome was born in Huddersfield and played for his home team as a junior before moving via Grimsby Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough to gain a contract at Cardiff, after being recommended by reserve team manager Paul Wilkinson.

Jerome played under Wilkinson in Grimsby's youth system, but after Wilkinson left Blundell Park to take up his position with Cardiff, Jerome was released by replacement Neil Woods - allegedly for being a disruptive influence.